I have been using a Catmaxx Baitcaster on one of my catfish rigs for about a year now. It is the only and first baitcaster I have ever bought or used.

I don't have much guidance on how to use them, as everyone I fish with only uses spinning reels. I love the reel for pulling them in, but the problem is getting it where I want it. I have a really hard time getting good distance on the cast. I know you have to adjust to the weight of the setup/bait, but I don't know how loose or tight it's supposed to be.

Any help would be great. The reel has no problem handling larger size cats, but I just need some advice on how to get some better casts on it.

Thanks, IBH

Is it backlashing when you throw it because and there is a lil knob underneath the drag that sdjusts the fall of the bait it might be to tight

Does your reel have a dial knob on the left for adjusting the drag??
or
Is it like th eAbu Garcias with just one main nut to tighten the entire spool?

What I did to practice was this.

1. I tied on the heavest worm and sinker I could find.
2. I went outside.
3. Point your rod straight out and push your button. It should take your lure about4 seconds to get from the tip to the ground { Just for starters}
4. Start your cast at 2:30 withy your rod in back of you .
5. Give a slow over cast cast letting your thumb off the spool at 1:00
BUT continue to follow through to 9:30 .
6. With practice you can put more umph in your cast.
I just timed my 3/16 th ounce weight and 7inch worm. Mine takes 2 seconds to hit the floor and it is perfect.
I set ya up with a heavy worm and 4 seconds to prevent you from getting back lashes. It took me about 1 hour of practice before I was ready. Also , different lines react differently on different reels. Also ...some reels just flat out cast horrible. But usually if th edrag is set up and you are not trying to get to many extra feet on a cast you shouldn;t have any problems
Chuck7

The reel does have an adjuster on the side of it, but I'm not sure how tight it is supposed to be.

If I don't goto the riverI'll take it out in the backyard tomarrow and play around with it a little.

Thanks for the help

IBH